Ukrainian interceptor drones for Shahed jets already undergoing combat testing – Fedorov

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov disclosed that Ukraine is currently conducting combat testing of interceptor drones designed to counter Russian Shahed jet drones. Fedorov highlighted that Russian jet-powered Shaheds are increasingly replacing traditional Shaheds, a strategic shift in aerial warfare. He emphasized that Ukraine's response must be rapid to maintain its technological edge, noting that the country's interceptor drone development, initiated last year, has resulted in one of the world's most advanced small air defense systems.

Fedorov stressed the need to escalate efforts tenfold to counter the jet drone threat. He attributed the progress to grants provided by the Brave1 program, which facilitated the analysis and testing of various solutions. Fedorov personally visited a company that developed a jet-powered interceptor drone capable of speeds exceeding 600 km/h, which is currently undergoing combat testing.

The former minister expressed the importance of continuing to invest in research and development, testing, and production scaling. In May, Fedorov had previously urged the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to increase production volumes and reduce interceptor missile costs to prepare for the arrival of Russian jet-powered Shaheds. On August 10, Acting Minister of Defense Yevhen Khmara echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of countering ballistic and cruise missiles, including Shaheds, by developing interceptor missiles and asymmetric capabilities.